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07/26/2010 12:50:54 AM · #1 |
I'm need to upgrade to better photo-editing software and need to upgrade from Picasa. I'm confused between various products offered by Adobe. I have a MacBook Pro and need the following features besides basic editing -
1. Selective Editing - Be able to select part of photo and edit it
2. HDR creation - Should be able to create HDR from Single or Multiple RAW files
3. Use Photoshop actions - As I have a good existing collection from sources
4. RAW Processing (For Canon XTi)
5. Adding Text and Frames(Optional)
I'm not a professional and do not handle large photo volumes. Photoshop CS5 is too expensive for individual use and I'm wondering if there are other cost effective options to fulfil my needs. Is lightroom capable of handling all this?
I do not mind moving to older versions if they are compatible with Mac OSX.
Please advise. |
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07/26/2010 01:39:05 AM · #2 |
Photoshop Elements is Photoshop's smaller cousin - a scaled down version that is a really good program for the MUCH cheaper price. I don't think it does HDR, but there are free HDR programs available. For example Luminance HDR, a free, open source program.
The Gimp is a very popular alternative to photoshop. You can even get an add-on that makes it look and feel more like Photoshop proper. A lot of people swear it is nearly as good as Photoshop.
Edited to add the link to the HDR program.
Message edited by author 2010-07-26 01:42:03. |
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07/26/2010 02:49:11 AM · #3 |
Adobe also has an education store with prices unbelievably cheaper. All you need is proof that you (or whoever registers it) is a student or teacher.
It would be cheaper to take/skip one class at a community college to enable you to get the cheaper version . Just a thought. |
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07/26/2010 05:01:20 AM · #4 |
Hi Tej.
Have you tried using Canon's DPP (Digital Photo Professional) which came with your camera. You can upgrade to the latest version on the Canon site. I gives excellent results and even allows a workflow and batch editing (tutorials available on the net). You could then use Gimp for some of the layer work. This would be an inexpensive way to edit with good results.
Otherwise I would still suggest playing with DPP and seeing if it works for you and purchasing Elements 8 as it may be all you would need. |
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07/26/2010 06:43:05 AM · #5 |
| Take a look a GIMP...its free so, what the heck do you have to lose? |
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07/27/2010 03:37:37 AM · #6 |
Thanks Josh, Maria, Tate and Karin!
Does PS elements or GIMP allow selective editing?
I think I will check out the student license also if I can find someone in family with proper ID for same. |
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07/27/2010 03:44:50 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Tej:
Thanks Josh, Maria, Tate and Karin!
Does PS elements or GIMP allow selective editing?
I think I will check out the student license also if I can find someone in family with proper ID for same. |
Tej, yes, both of them allow selective editing.
Gimp is free (open source), so you can just download it and check it out.
Elements (as well as PS proper) lets you get a 30 day trial - the full program (at least it was like that the last time I looked at it). |
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08/05/2010 10:23:49 AM · #8 |
Thanks, Karin! PS 8 seems like good option. I will download the trial for now. I hope photoshop actions work on it.
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